Much like the books it homes, the Stayton Public Library needs a spine and that is provided by the Stayton Public Library Foundation.

The Foundation’s mission is three-fold: improve the Stayton Public Library facilities, provide an endowment to support library operations, and support special library programs and services.

In order to raise funds for these efforts, the foundation is hosting the third Brews, Bites, & Books event from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27. Jay Zink from Three Creeks Brewing Company in Sisters, is presenting a full craft beer tasting. Local restaurants Baked & Loaded Potatoes, La Esperanza Mexican Bakery & Restaurant, Rico’s Restaurant & Café, Wheat - The Baking Company, The Lovin’ Oven and Trexler Farm will be providing some of their specialties for a four-course beer and food pairing.

Wine and non-alcoholic drinks will also be available and commemorative wine and beer glasses will be on sale for refill purchases.

Live music from Rising Star Studios will fill the air, with lighting and sound by Young Mobile Entertainment adding to the ambiance.

“We have a pretty rich mission and long-term goals,” board member Deana Freres said. “Our two main fundraisers are the Father-Daughter Ball in the spring, which is very family oriented, and Brews, Bites & Books, which bridges the gap and includes everyone from young professionals to retirees.

“We don’t really want to specifically earmark funds to one specific use because we want to fix a broken window as well as support the various programs and services the library offers but the Outreach Storyteller Program is really our pride and joy. It’s so unique, very special and does such good work.”

Through this program, over 500 children in Stayton and surrounding areas are reached.

According to Stayton Library Director Janna Moser, the library has recently hired Julie Adams as the Outreach Coordinator. In that role, Adams will visit over 20 local preschools, daycares, Head Start and kindergartens twice a month, teaching early learning and reading readiness skills, sharing books, and using finger plays, songs, motion, movement and other activities to engage children in language and stories.

“With the support of both the Stayton Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library we have been able to enhance the programs and services we provide to the community well beyond what we could do on our own,” Moser said. “The Outreach Storyteller Program has expanded the reach of the Stayton Public Library and helps connect children to early literacy and library programs.

The enthusiasm for this event and the foundation’s efforts extends beyond the Cascades.

”Three Creeks Brewing Company is proud to support the youth of our communities,” Marketing Manager Ashley Woody said. “We love participating in events that help educate young and old and are honored to be a part of Brews, Bites & Books, where craft beer can be served alongside decadent food in the name of education.”

If you go

What: Brews, Bites & Books, an after-hours 21 and over event

When: 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, January 27

Where: Stayton Public Library, 515 N. First Ave.

Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. For advance tickets visit www.staytonlibraryfoundation.com